Venereology

molluscum contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral infection that causes papules or pearl-like nodules to form. Molluscum contagiosum causes the smallpox virus. Infection can be picked up in different ways.

This infection is quite common in children, especially when the child comes into direct contact with the injury. Often lesions occur on the face, neck, armpits, hands, but can be observed throughout the body, with the exception of the palms and feet. The virus can be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects such as towels, clothing or toys. The virus is also transmitted sexually.

Early stages of lesions on the genitals can be confused with herpes or warts, however, unlike herpes, such lesions do not cause pain. People with weakened immune systems (due to conditions such as AIDS) may have more severe cases of molluscum contagiosum.

Molluscum contagiosum symptoms

Molluscum contagiosum usually develops as a small, painless papule that may grow into a pearly, flesh-colored nodule. In the center of the papule, as a rule, there is a dent. If you scratch such papules, they can appear in whole rows. Scratching or other type of irritation leads to the growth of the virus in a row or groups. The width of the papules is approximately 2-5 mm. As a rule, if they are not scratched and not touched at all, there is no inflammation and redness. These lesions typically have a central core of white, cheesy, or waxy substance.

In adults, these lesions most commonly occur on the genitals, abdomen, and inner thighs.

Diagnosis is based on the type of lesion, confirmed by skin biopsy.

Treatment of molluscum contagiosum

In people with a normally functioning immune system, the disease disappears on its own after a few months or years. People with a weakened or damaged immune system (such as people with AIDS) may suffer from more severe cases of the disease. Individual injuries can be repaired surgically, i.e. scraping, coring, freezing or needle electrosurgery.

Surgical removal of individual lesions may result in scarring. Medications, such as those used to treat warts, can help with warts, but may cause temporary skin discoloration.

Cantharidin is the most common solution for treating skin lesions. Tretinoin cream or imiquimod may also help. Molluscum contagiosum can be present from several months to several years. As a rule, the damage caused by it does not leave scars if they are not scratched. Individual lesions disappear after about 2-3 months. The complete disappearance of all lesions is observed after about 6-18 months. In people with a weakened immune system, this process may be delayed.

Possible complications of molluscum contagiosum: